This book, published by Cupples, Upham & Co., is translated by Louise Brooks, from the German of Johanna Spyri. The translation is sometimes awkward and obscure, but in the main it tells, in simple and direct language, a tale which is as sound and sweet as a hazel-nut, and simple enough to please old readers as well as young. Its religion is reasonably rational.
Heidi is a Swiss child, who lives with her old grandfather on an Alpine summit. Thence she is taken to Frankfort, as companion for a rich man's lame daughter; and very amusing events happen in the big house. Heidi pines for the mountains, and goes back to the old man, the goats, and the goat-general. By-and-by Klara is brought to visit her generous little friend, and on the heights recovers the use of her legs, without doctors or medicine. There are few characters; but they are very distinctly drawn, and the scenes are very vividly depicted.
Some points suggest the views of Christian Scientists. The child says to the blind grandmother, "I am glad that you are better." The old woman replies: "Yes, I am glad too; and even if I must keep on lying here, I am well." Here is a neat bit of dialogue:—
